Anderson University’s 2025 spring commencement was marked by powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and faith. Ambassador Andrew Young, a towering figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a lifelong advocate for justice, addressed graduates on May 9, receiving a standing ovation on the historic Alumni Lawn.
A Lifetime of Service: Ambassador Andrew Young’s Journey
Ambassador Young reflected on his extraordinary path, beginning with his childhood in the South during the Great Depression. From those humble beginnings, he discovered his purpose in public service by taking on the jobs no one else was willing to do.
“I figured that’s what the Lord laid out for me,” Young shared. “Almost everything I’ve done for the past 75 years has been about doing things nobody else wanted to do. Nobody wanted to work with Martin Luther King people were being beaten and jailed. Even answering his mail was a task others avoided. But I believed that if it needed doing, and no one else would do it, then it was the right thing for me to do.”
Young’s words carried the wisdom of decades spent as a minister, civil rights leader, congressman, U.N. ambassador, and mayor of Atlanta. Now at 93, he continues to search for ways to impact the world for good. His message to graduates was both a challenge and a blessing:
“There’s a whole world out there looking for people with your potential, your dedication, and your training,” he said. “Commencement is not the end it’s the beginning. This is the start of your triumphant life, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the image of the living God.”
Honoring His Legacy
Ambassador Young was introduced by Dr. Matthew Daniels, distinguished professor of law, political science, and human rights. In 2024, Young lent his support to a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Daniels The Ambassador Andrew Young Higher Education Fellowship Program. This fellowship unites students from universities nationwide to explore and practice the principles of civility, human rights, and public service.
During the Friday ceremony, Anderson University awarded honorary degrees to both Ambassador Young and Mary Anne Bunton, longtime chair of the AU Board of Trust who has served the institution for over three decades.
A Vision for Global Education: Dr. Anil Kumar Palla
The commencement ceremony for graduate students featured Dr. Anil Kumar Palla, founder and CEO of University HUB, a global education technology company and a strategic partner of Anderson University.
Dr. Palla shared his own transformative journey from practicing medicine to pursuing international business and ultimately pioneering innovations in higher education. Quoting Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, he encouraged graduates to embrace life’s unexpected turns.
“Embrace change, stay curious, keep learning, think globally, and run your own race,” he advised. “We live in a world full of uncertainty, but also full of promise. When the road bends, don’t freeze because that curve might lead you to your purpose.”
Recognizing Excellence
Several distinguished awards and honors highlighted the ceremonies:
The President’s Award was presented to graduates Leah Duncan, Rosella Stike, and Ian Thompson for their outstanding balance of leadership, citizenship, scholarship, and Christian commitment.
The Michael Boles Excellence in Teaching Award went to Dr. Carrie Koenigstein of the College of Arts and Sciences for her exemplary teaching and dedication to students.
Student body president Leah Duncan (2024–2025) presented the class gift, which will fund the installation of a black marble Anderson University Seal in front of the Merritt Administration Building.
Special Moments and Ceremonial Traditions
The ceremonies opened with a welcome from Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts. Chair of the Board of Trust Shawn McGee led the invocation on Friday, while Dr. Tracy Jessup, Vice President for Christian Life, offered Saturday’s prayer. Benedictions were given by Dr. Joe Carol Mitchell-Rogers, retiring professor of art, and Gaidi Burgess, assistant professor of Christian Studies.
Adding to the celebrations, students from the Department of Music at the South Carolina School of the Arts performed musical selections, including Anderson University’s Centennial Alma Mater, The Sounds of Anderson.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
In total, more than 500 graduates proudly walked across the stage, cheered on by family, friends, faculty, and community leaders. Both ceremonies honored not only the achievements of individual students but also the shared values of service, leadership, and faith that define Anderson University.
https://andersonuniversity.edu/news/andrew-young-class-of-2025/
